Applied Physics Letters
Single-domain spectroscopy of self-assembled photonic crystals
Yu. A. Vlasov, Miriam Deutsch, David J. Norris
Abstract
We show how optical microscopy can be used to study the optical properties of a single crystalline domain in a self-assembled photonic crystal. By measuring spatially resolved reflection and emission spectra from a synthetic opal, inhomogeneities due to averaging over inherent disorder can be avoided. From “defect-free” reflection and emission spectra, the intrinsic photonic band structure can be extracted and inhibition of spontaneous emission can be verified.